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Lopez lets natural ability take over

Lopez lets natural ability take over

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MLB.com |

Felipe Lopez chatted online with fans about his progress during Spring Training camp Monday and said he'll be ready when the season begins. The shortstop had a breakout year for the Reds in 2005, batting .291 with 23 home runs and 85 RBIs.

Base_Ball: Hi Felipe! Seeing how well the World Baseball Classic went over, are you disappointed at all with your decision to stay in Spring Training?

Lopez: I'm not disappointed in my decision to stay in Spring Training because I wanted to take it easy and get ready for the season. I didn't want to get out and go full speed right away because I wasn't ready to do that.

griffeyfan3: Where is your favorite ballpark to play?

Lopez: There's a lot of them. If I have to pick, I like St. Louis -- the old one. I hope the new one has the same feeling.

cinciredsgirl: Is there any pressure following Reds shortstop greats like Dave Concepcion and Barry Larkin?

Lopez:There is no pressure. They played for a long time and it took them a long time to accomplish what they accomplished. This is my second year as a starter. I just take it game by game. I really don't think about that.

thomemyhomie: Felipe, what did it feel like playing in an All-Star Game?

Lopez: The All-Star game was everything I imagined and more. It was a dream come true being there with everybody. A lot of people that were there will be Hall of Famers one day. To be on the same team with them was a privilege.

Base_Ball_4: How big of an impact, if any, has the Reds' new ownership had?

Lopez: They have a winning attitude. I think that trickles down to the players. It puts a positive attitude around the clubhouse.

verbueza: Do you have any specific goals for this season?

Lopez: No, I don't have specific goals. I just want to play hard every game. Of course, I want to win. But as far as personal goals, I don't have any. I stopped doing that a long time ago because I put too much pressure on myself. I know I can do the job and play hard and let my abilities take over.

verbueza: Who are some of your best friends on the team?

Lopez: Mostly I talk with Edwin Encarnacion and Javy Valentin. I think it's because they speak Spanish and our English is OK, you know?

Base_Ball_3: How is Spring Training going for you and the team?

Lopez: It's definitely getting better. I feel a lot of improvements myself. I feel good. I'm starting to get back in the rhythm of things. When Spring Training starts closing down, I'll be ready for the season.

cinciredsgirl: What were the players' views toward the World Baseball Classic, and the fact that it took place during Spring Training?

Lopez: A lot of players didn't mind. It's a fun event. You get to represent your country. I think at this stage of my career, I needed to stay and get better and help the team.

Matt_Roberts: Do you think you now have a No. 1 starter in Cincinnati with Bronson Arroyo?

Lopez: I think we have a No. 1 starter now with Aaron Harang. He's shown that he can do it. He's consistent and has great stuff. Not taking anything away from Arroyo, because he's also a great pitcher. I'll let management deal with that decision -- who is the No. 1 starter.

verbueza: What is your favorite kind of music or your favorite singer?

Lopez: My favorite kind of music is hip-hop. I don't have a favorite singer. I like them all.

griffeyfan3: What is it like to play alongside Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn?